“It is twenty-two days now since we slept without removing our clothes or accoutrements.” –Diary of Josiah Marshall Favill.

June 20th. For the first time since the battle we slept all night without being turned out; what a pleasant thing it is to be able to sleep enough; want of sleep uses one up more than anything else. It is twenty-two days now since we slept without removing our clothes or accoutrements; if we don’t get enough of full regimentals, it will be because we are insatiable. Notwithstanding the severe duty the men look well and are spruce and outwardly, at least, clean; boots are blacked and accoutrements kept perfectly clean, but our clothes are getting shabby and have changed color sadly; these blues are very uncertain. Rode over to Sumner’s headquarters this evening and heard various accounts of the late battle. Much fine writing, with gross exaggeration of trifles, and general disregard for accuracy. The little movement of our two flank companies has blossomed out into a splendid charge, led by General French in person, and his example is highly spoken of. “Vitian regit fortuna, non sapientia.” How much many of our generals owe to the ubiquitous reporter. May their shadow never grow less. If the history of past ages is as much tainted as the history we are now making, then, alas, poor Yorick!